Baked Penne Rigate with cheese and cheese

Baked Penne Rigate with Cheese and Cheese: A Delight Easy to Prepare

How often do we crave a comforting meal that reminds us of pleasant moments spent around the table, sharing stories? Baked Penne Rigate with cheese is a recipe that combines simplicity with flavor, transforming basic ingredients into a delicious and comforting dish. This recipe, as simple as it is tasty, is perfect for a quick family dinner or to impress friends during a brunch. Let’s begin our culinary journey!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 25-30 minutes
Total: 45-50 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

- 400 g penne rigate
- 500 ml milk
- 200 g cheese (preferably semi-hard cheese)
- 100 g telemea cheese (ideally well-salted)
- 40 g flour (about 1 tablespoon)
- 25 g butter (plus extra for greasing)
- Salt and pepper to taste

Necessary Utensils

- A pot
- A spatula or wooden spoon
- A baking dish
- A grater
- A pot for boiling pasta

Step by Step

Step 1: Preparing the Cheese Sauce

1. Melting the Butter: In a medium pot, add 25 g of butter over medium heat. Let the butter melt completely, being careful not to burn it.
2. Adding the Flour: Once the butter is melted, add the 40 g of flour. Mix well with a spatula, forming a roux. Continue stirring for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the taste of raw flour.
3. Incorporating the Milk: Gradually add 500 ml of milk, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Keep stirring until the sauce begins to thicken. This process may take about 5-7 minutes.
4. Adding the Cheeses: When the sauce reaches a thick consistency, remove it from the heat and add 100 g of grated cheese and the grated telemea cheese. Stir until the cheeses have completely melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 2: Boiling the Pasta

1. Boiling the Penne: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add salt (about one tablespoon) and put in the penne rigate. Boil according to the package instructions (9-11 minutes), until al dente.
2. Draining the Pasta: Once the pasta is ready, drain it and let it cool slightly. It is important not to rinse it, to keep the starch that will help the sauce stick.

Step 3: Assembling and Baking

1. Preparing the Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish with butter, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
2. Adding the Pasta: Place the drained penne in the dish, then pour the cheese sauce evenly over the pasta, making sure all the penne are well covered.
3. Topping with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 100 g of grated cheese on top, adding a few pieces of butter here and there for a golden, crispy crust.
4. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the dish for 25-30 minutes, or until the surface is browned and crispy.

Serving

Serving Tip: This baked penne rigate with cheese is fantastic hot or cold. You can add a fresh green salad or grilled vegetables to complete the meal. A bottle of dry white wine or a glass of freshly made tomato juice will work wonders alongside this dish.

Nutritional Benefits

This recipe contains an excellent combination of carbohydrates from the pasta, proteins from the cheese, and calcium, essential for bone health. However, it is best to consume in moderation, considering that each serving has about 550-600 calories, depending on the type of cheese used.

Variations and Tips

- Cheese Variations: Instead of telemea cheese, you can use ricotta or mozzarella for a creamier texture.
- Additions: You can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to enrich the dish.
- Spicy: If you like spicy food, add a pinch of chili powder or a little Tabasco sauce to the cheese sauce for an extra kick of flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use whole wheat pasta?
Yes, whole wheat penne is a healthy alternative that adds more fiber to the dish.

2. How can I store leftovers?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. You can reheat in the oven or microwave.

3. Can it be frozen?
We recommend not freezing the dish, as the texture of the cheese may change upon thawing.

Baked Penne Rigate with cheese is not just a dish; it is a culinary experience that brings joy and warmth in every bite. So put on your apron and get ready to enjoy this simple and delicious recipe!